5 amazing benefits of using electric forklifts

5 amazing benefits of using electric forklifts

People talk about transitioning to electric cars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to completely computerised systems to save paper. But electric forklifts have been doing their part for the environment long before electric cars.

People and planet friendly

Managers and directors are vigilant about workplace health and safety and forklift operators need to check the machines daily (see the whole checklist here). Electric forklift models tick all the health and safety boxes.

Electric forklifts don’t make much noise compared to their fuel-powered counterparts. There’s no petrol fumes, either. Workers in the warehouse and those driving the forklifts don’t have to endure noise pollution or chemical smells!

Save dollars

Because electric forklifts have less moving parts, that’s less money spent on regular maintenance. They don’t have combustion engines and other moving parts that drive up replacement costs. Hyster Forklifts made this chart recording maintenance costs:

As you can see above, the cost of maintaining an electric model climbs slowly over a five-year period compared to an LPG gas forklift. Electric forklifts only increase $20,000 over five years, compared to the $50,000 an LPG model demands. That’s $30,000 better spent on hiring another machine.

Save time

Less time spent on maintenance means more time moving stock, increasing efficiency and output. Warehouses meet their KPIs faster when they use the right machines. No refuelling is necessary except for the forklift driver taking the used battery out and putting a new one in.

Longer lifespan

Petrol and gas-fuelled machines have more moving parts that need to go through regular replacement and maintenance. They’re good for productivity and lifting heavy loads, but the wear-and-tear they endure destines them for replacement. Electric models, though they won’t lift as much, will last longer.

Ergonomical

The fuel type is different but the functions stay the same. Licensed forklift drivers can handle the electric machines with ease, and visibility is improved! There’s no bulk obstructing line of sight, like a diesel engine or rear-mounted gas bottle.